Abstract:  Recently, endocannabinoid system has been proposed as a new pharmacological target of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Empirical studies indicated that endocannabinoid system is closely linked to the occurrence and development of PTSD due to its important roles in regulating the fear memory, anxiety, depression, reward as well as motivation. Several clinical studies also found that appropriate dose of cannabinoids can relieve PTSD symptoms, especially the sleep problems. Future studies should further explore the pathological mechanism of endocannabinoid system in PTSD, increase the clinical security of medicinal cannabinoids,and develop the new kinds of cannabinoid receptor modulators. In addition, investigating of the influence of genetic factors and heterogeneity of responses in the effect of endocannabinoid on treatment of PTSD will also promote the early identification of the patients and the development of precision medicine.

Key words: endocannabinoid, post-traumatic stress disorder, fear memory, anxiety, depression